Anti-immigrant protesters scuffle with police in UK's Dover

Dozens of demonstrators blocked a main road and sang 'Rule, Britannia'

The demonstrators blocked the main dual carriageway into the port. Getty Images

Anti-immigrant demonstrators clashed with UK police on Saturday at the port of Dover, where record numbers of migrants have arrived in recent months after crossing the Channel in small boats.

Dozens of anti-immigrant demonstrators, some wearing Union Jack face masks, blocked a main road, singing “Rule, Britannia!” as they marched in the middle of the road. The song has sparked debate over its celebration of the British Empire at a time when critics are reevaluating the nation’s colonial past.

Some protesters scuffled with police near the entrance to the town’s harbor. Police said nine people were arrested.

Anti-racism protesters held a rival demonstration in the town to say asylum-seekers were welcome.

On Friday night, the humanitarian charity Freedom from Torture beamed the words “Rise above fear. Refugees welcome” onto the White Cliffs of Dover overlooking the English Channel.

Migrants have long used northern France as a launching point to get to Britain, either in trucks through the Channel tunnel or on ferries.

Some have turned to small boats organized by people smugglers because coronavirus lockdowns have reduced opportunities to stow away on vehicles.

More than 5,000 migrants have crossed the Channel, one of the world’s busiest waterways, this year, most during the warm summer months.

Migrants trying to reach Britain are a target of far-right tactics. AFP

A UK Border Force vessel sails in front of a boat carrying migrants. Getty

A pilot's view of the White Cliffs of Dover. The cliffs, near to where the migrant crisis is unfolding, are also a traditional British sign of returning home. MoD

A storage yard for the dinghies, ribs and rowing boats previously used by migrants to cross the English Channel. Getty

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage (2nd left) talks to supporters in Dover. EPA

Migrants disembark after arriving at Dover harbour, in Dover, Britain August 12, 2020. REUTERS/Matthew Childs

In August, there has been a spike in attempts to cross the channel. AFP